Travel News Distribution powered by eTurboNews:

Agoda.com: Guide to the Hong Kong Summer Spectacular 2011

(Forimmediaterelease.net) SINGAPORE – Agoda.com, Asia’s global hotel booking site and part of the Nasdaq-listed Priceline.com Inc. (Nasdaq: PCLN), has secured fantastic hotel deals in time for this year’s Hong Kong Summer Spectacular.

Hong Kong is a vibrant, exciting metropolis, and during the annual Summer Spectacular everything that’s great about the city gets even better. This year’s celebration runs from June 17 to August 31 and promises a schedule packed with fun things to do.

To help travelers decide what to put on their itinerary, here's Agoda’s guide to what’s on where.

FIRST-CLASS FAMILY FUN

An annual highlight is Hong Kong's dragon boat carnival, this year from June 17 to 19. Featuring 150 local teams and 30 international crews competing for glory in Victoria Harbor, it makes for great family entertainment. Refreshments are available at the San Miguel beer garden in nearby UC Centenary Gardens, which also hosts live music and dancing.

Another event that’s sure to appeal to families is the Pixar: 25 Years of Animation exhibition, which runs until July 11 at the Hong Kong Heritage Museum in Sha Tin. Kids of all ages can go behind the scenes to discover the secrets of one of the world’s best-loved animation companies – creators of favorites such as Toy Story, Finding Nemo, and Monsters Inc.

SHOP 'TIL YOU DROP

Throughout the Summer Spectacular, visitors to Hong Kong are treated to discounts across the city. From the designer stores of Central to the ladies' market of Mongkok, travelers can find huge discounts on fashion, jewelry, and electronics – even bric-a-brac and souvenirs. As Hong Kong is a duty-free zone, shoppers can enjoy even greater savings.

EAT, DRINK, AND BE MERRY

Food Expo 2011 is a must-see for foodies. Running from August 11 to 15 at the Hong Kong Convention and Exhibition Center in Wan Chai, it offers the chance to sample first-class cuisine, get advice from experts, and enjoy cooking demonstrations by celebrity chefs. Hong Kong has more than 11,000 cafés and restaurants, so after a visit to the expo, gourmands have plenty of opportunity to indulge.

For those seeking to cool down from Hong Kong's summer heat, there's “Beerfest," the Lan Kwai Fong Beer Festival. This event runs from July 9 to 10 and promises 60 different stalls serving the world’s finest beers. Restaurants and bars along this popular party strip will host competitions and live music and offer a wide array of food and beverages well into the early hours.

GADGETS AND GIZMOS GALORE

With its countless electronics superstores and specialist shops, Hong Kong has long been a haven for geeks. During the Summer Spectacular, fans of all things high tech can enjoy displays of the latest gadgetry, presentations from industry professionals and lots more at the Computer and Communications Festival, from August 19 to 22 at the Hong Kong Convention and Exhibition Center.

BEST OF THE REST

Other events to look out for are the Ocean Park Summer Splash (July 1–August 28), Meet the Muddy Wrestlers at the Hong Kong Wetland Park (June 8–August 29), the Ngong Ping Shaolin Showcase (July 1–August 31), the Hong Kong Book Fair at the Wan Chai Convention and Exhibition Center (July 20-26), and the Chinese Opera Festival at venues across the city (June 3–July 24).

AGODA.COM HONG KONG SUMMER SPECTACULAR SALE

Langham Place Mongkok Hotel – 5 stars
Early Bird Special! Rates from US$193 per night. Must book 14 days in advance. Enjoy a 15% discount.